Around 350 delegates - including over 130 from the Youth Congress and the National Students Union of India (NSUI) - debated issues like political and socio-economic challenges, foreign affairs, women's empowerment and organisational strength.

"Discussions continued for two-and-a-half hours. The debate was better than we expected. Youngsters participated with enthusiasm and shared their views. We got a feeling they had more to say. The debate will continue tomorrow," Dwivedi said.

The discussions will continue till Jan 19 and the gist of the debates will be refined by the Congress Working Committee, which will meet Saturday evening.